About 1 in 22 children in America have high levels of lead in their blood, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. You can't see, taste, or smell lead. Lead may be in the dust, paint, or soil in and around your home, or in your drinking water or food. Because lead does not break down naturally, lead can remain a problem until it is removed.

Before we knew how harmful it could be, lead was used in paint, gasoline, water pipes, and many other products in the United States. Now banned from production, mMost homes built before 1960 contain
some sort of lead sodering or piping and some homes built as recently as
1978 may also contain lead paint.

Lead paint is sweet. Children may seek it out. Most children are exposed when they get lead dust on their toys or hands and put those items in their mouth.

How lead affects your child's health

The long-term effects of lead in a child can be severe. They include learning disabilities, decreased growth, hyperactivity, impaired hearing, and even brain damage. If caught early, these effects can be limited by reducing exposure to lead or by medical treatment. If you're pregnant, avoid exposing yourself to lead. Lead can pass through your body to your baby. The good news is that there are simple things you can do to help protect your family.

Get your child tested for lead poisoning, even if he or she seems healthy.

Clean floors, window frames, window sills, and other surfaces weekly. Use a mop, sponge, or paper towel with warm water and a general all-purpose cleaner or a cleaner made specifically for lead. Change the water and towel/rag often to avoid spreading.

Reduce the risk of lead paint. Make sure your child is not chewing on painted surfaces.

Have your water tested. If the cold water hasn't been used for more than a few hours, let it run for 15-30 seconds before drinking it or cooking with it. Don't use the hot water for drinking or cooking.

Eat right.

Source: EPA

Lead Poisoning

and Your Children

Click on image for

more information.

Regularly eat healthy foods

Children with empty stomachs absorb more
lead than children with full stomachs.
Provide your child with
four to six small meals
during the day. The
following nutrients
can help protect
your child from
lead poisoning:

Source: EPA

Fight Lead Poisoning

with a Healthy Diet

Click on image for

more tips and recipes.

Iron-Rich Foods

Normal levels of iron work to protect the body
from the harmful effects of lead. Good sources
of dietary iron include:

Lean red meats, fish, and chicken

Iron-fortified cereals

Dried fruits (raisins, prunes)

Calcium-Rich Foods

Calcium reduces lead absorption and also helps
make teeth and bones strong. Good sources of
dietary calcium include:

Milk

Yogurt

Cheese

Green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale, collard greens)

Vitamin C-Rich Foods

Vitamin C and iron-rich foods work together
to reduce lead absorption. Good sources of
vitamin C include:

Oranges, orange juice

Grapefruits, grapefruit juice

Tomatoes, tomato juice

Green peppers

If your children are 5 years old or younger, see if you qualify for WIC.

For help getting the lead out of your home

The public health department is available to provide information on lead-safe home repairs and to make referrals to lead removal resources. Please call (231) 724-1259.

Lead Hazard Reduction Program

If you live in Muskegon County, you may be eligible for help to make your home lead safe if:

You have a child under 6 years old living in or visiting the home on a regular basis;

You are a low to moderate income family;

You live in a home built before 1978; and

You own or rent the home.

Those who are eligible, receive:

Lead Inspection/Risk Assessment and report of findings ($500 value).

Lead Hazard Control Work - which may include new windows and doors and special cleaning and painting to qualified applicants.

If you'd like to find out if your home qualifies, call (231) 724-1259.

Even if you don't qualify for this program, we can help you determine what the next step is according to your situation. Please call (231) 724-1259.